New Shield rules on cards after review

Sunday Star Times

IN FAVOUR: Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn says having to defend the Ranfurly Shield on the road will ``put more meaning on games''.

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To have and to hold from this day forth .... as long as you are playing at home.

But now the New Zealand Rugby Union want defenders to put the Ranfurly Shield up for grabs on the road too. Its board has been meeting in Wellington and will confirm later today the outcome of the review into how the hallowed Log o' Wood can be won and lost.

Traditionally, it was only contested when the holders were playing on their own patch. Now we appear to be on the cusp of a new model where, after four successful home defences, teams put the shield on the line wherever they are playing.

The timing of a revamp to the terms of Ranfurly Shield engagement could hardly be worse. Love Wellington or loathe it, even the most hard-hearted rugby fan could not help but be swept up by the magic of it reclaiming the trophy after 26 years.

It was a feat that appealed to the romantic in everyone. Now we face the prospect of the Shield having a couple of dance partners per season.

Hooker Corey Flynn has twice known the joy of lifting the shield as Canterbury captain. Equally, he has endured the pain of giving it away.

For him, the proposed change would not cheapen the trophy.

"I think it's a good idea. It might give us another chance to get it.

"It'll put more meaning on games and you'll get unions maybe getting a crack once a year. I can't see it hurting. I think it'll probably be a good thing and you might get some more enthusiasm from the fans.

"I don't think it devalues it; it's the Ranfurly Shield. The New Zealand union needs to do something, because of the dwindling numbers. You only have to look at AMI Stadium, we're not filling that place.

"Wellington hadn't won it for 26 years but, even if we were to win it tomorrow, you'd still see the same jubilation on our faces and we had it only last year. It's still a pretty special thing."

After breaking his arm playing for the Crusaders, Flynn's comeback to the Canterbury ranks continues tomorrow night, when it hosts Hawkes Bay.

TEAMS

Canterbury: Scott Hamilton, James Paterson, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, hayden Hopgood, Kieran Read (c), Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Colin Slade, Hamish Gard, Steve Alfeld, George Whitelock, James Broadhurst, Peter Borlase, Corey Flynn.

Hawkes Bay: Israel Dagg, Jason Kupa, Jason Shoemark or Zac Guildford, Sam Giddens, Zac Guildford or Mark Jackman, Dan Waenga, Danny Lee (c), George Naoupu, Karl Lowe, Michael Johnson, Bryn Evans, Matt Egan, Anthony Perenise, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Mark Jackman or Nick Thomson, Aayden Clarke, Chris Eaton, Pama Petia, Johan Snyman, Josh Keys, Ash Dixon.

- © Fairfax NZ News